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Physio Linda to achieve dream at Commonwealth Games

PHYSIOTHERAPIST Linda Middleton is about to achieve a lifetime's dream.

Linda, 48, who suffers from dyslexia, has been chosen as a "field of play" physiotherapist at the Commonwealth Games, which open in Glasgow on Wednesday.

"The 2014 Commonwealth Games are going to be amazing," said Linda. "The city is buzzing and I just want to be part of it. To say 'I was there' is my dream come true."

Linda, who works as a senior physiotherapist at BMI Gisburne Park Hospital, had been selected as a physiotherapist for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, but had to pull out when her dad died.

She said: "I then decided that my next goal was the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2014. I applied over a year ago and was lucky enough to be selected out of 3,500 applicants to join the 200-strong physio team from Great Britain.

"I have been selected to work as a field of play physiotherapist for the gymnastics and I am over the moon as this is one of my favourite sports.

"My role will be based at the SSE Hydro Arena which is where the men's and women's artistic and rhythmic competitions and medal ceremonies take place.

"I will be responsible for treating the athletes as the need arises - from attending to a sprained ankle or applying emergency medicine with a doctor to a more serious injury such as a head injury, fracture or a spinal injury.

"My role will be in the spotlight of the media at all times, so being selected for the games is a real honour for me, as I will not only be representing my profession and BMI Healthcare, but treating athletes from all over the Commonwealth who are at the top of their game.

"It's a massive responsibility that I make the right choices when treating their injuries and preparing them for competition."

Linda, who lives in Earby, worked as a physiotherapy assistant at Skipton General and Airedale Hospital before qualifying.

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